[TheGRS]

I always felt the implication of power was a lot more valuable to US interests than exercising it, cheaper too for that matter. And even very recent history revealed that with the greatest military strength ever seen, the US cannot achieve all of its desires through force.

[juvoly]

What was the desire? Since the desire was a moving, ever changing, target it seems the force was primarily about showing force. Kind of meaningless.

Indeed, power is about convincing others fear your force. Using force is, in a sense, admitting a lack of power.

[TheGRS]

Also a great question that no one really has an answer to.